Powering a plurality of dispensers

ABSTRACT

One or more techniques and/or systems are provided for providing power to a plurality of dispensers. For example, a supply coupler, such as an alternating current to direct current power converter, is coupled to an energy storage component and/or a load coupler of a power distribution apparatus. The supply coupler provides power over the load coupler to one or more dispensers for operation. The supply coupler provides power to the energy storage component for energy storage. Responsive to a load on the power distribution apparatus exceeding a supply current of the power provided by the supply coupler (e.g., multiple dispensers may attempt to perform concurrent dispense events), the energy storage component may discharge energy to provide additional power to one or more dispensers to facilitate concurrent dispense events. Because the power distribution apparatus may connect to multiple dispensers, a cord management device may be used for power cord management.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and is a continuation of U.S.Non-Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 16/505,686, filed on Jul. 8,2019 and titled “POWERING A PLURALITY OF DISPENSERS,” that is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No.15/996,640, filed on Jun, 4, 2018 and titled “POWERING A PLURALITY OFDISPENSERS,” that is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 14/990,268, filed on Jan. 7, 2016 and titled“POWERING A PLURALITY OF DISPENSERS,” which claims priority to and is anon-provisional of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/100,603,filed on Jan. 7, 2015, each of which are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The instant application is generally directed towards systems andtechniques for powering a plurality of dispensers. In particular, anenergy storage component is configured to discharge energy for poweringdispensers when a load on a power distribution apparatus exceeds asupply current, and thus multiple dispensers may perform concurrentdispense events.

BACKGROUND

Many locations, such as hospitals, factories, casinos, expo centers,etc., may utilize devices for hygiene, such as dispensers. For example,a dispenser may dispense a liquid material, powder material, aerosolmaterial, and/or other materials (e.g., soap, anti-bacterial gels,cleansers, disinfectants, lotions, etc.). Some dispensers, such ascountertop installed dispensers, may operate based upon power suppliedfrom an electrical outlet. For example, an alternating current to directcurrent power converter (AC to DC power converter) may convert AC powerfrom the electrical outlet to DC power used to operate a dispenser.Unfortunately, many buildings may lack adequate numbers of power outletsand/or may resort to using unsightly amounts of power cords in order tooperate a desired number of dispensers (e.g., a casino may install 8countertop dispensers that are spaced 3 feet from one another, but thecasino may only have 2 electrical outlets within 15 feet of thecountertop dispensers).

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the detaileddescription. This summary is not intended to identify key factors oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Among other things, one or more systems and/or techniques for providingpower to a plurality of dispensers are provided herein. For example, apower distribution apparatus comprises a supply coupler (e.g., analternating current to direct current power converter configured to pluginto an electrical outlet). The power distribution apparatus comprisesan energy storage component (e.g., a super capacitor, a series of one ormore capacitors, etc.) coupled to the supply coupler. The powerdistribution apparatus comprises a load coupler (e.g., a power rail, apower cord, a cooper trace, an electrical connection to a power cord, orother powered connection over which power is transferred to theplurality of dispensers for operation) that is coupled to the supplycoupler and the energy storage component. The load coupler comprises afirst coupling element (e.g., a first integrated power cord or a firstelectrical connection to a first detachable power cord) for coupling theload coupler to a first dispenser. The load coupler comprises a secondcoupling element (e.g., a second integrated power cord or a secondelectrical connection to a second detachable power cord) for couplingthe load coupler to a second dispenser.

The supply coupler supplies power to the energy storage component (e.g.,for energy storage) and to the load coupler (e.g., for providing thepower to the first dispenser through the first coupling element and tothe second dispenser through the second coupling element). The energystorage component is configured to discharge energy when a load on thepower distribution apparatus by the first dispenser and/or the seconddispenser exceeds a supply current of power provided by the supplycoupler (e.g., the first dispenser and the second dispenser mayconcurrently attempt to perform dispense events of material, which maydraw a current greater than the supply current). In this way, multipleconcurrent dispense events may be facilitated for multiple dispensersbecause the energy storage component discharges energy to supplyadditional power used to perform such dispense events.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the followingdescription and annexed drawings set forth certain illustrative aspectsand implementations. These are indicative of but a few of the variousways in which one or more aspects may be employed. Other aspects,advantages, and novel features of the disclosure will become apparentfrom the following detailed description when considered in conjunctionwith the annexed drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method of providingpower to a plurality of dispensers.

FIG. 2 is a component block diagram illustrating an example of adispenser powered by a supply coupler.

FIG. 3 is a component block diagram illustrating an example powerdistribution apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a component block diagram illustrating an example powerdistribution apparatus for providing power to a plurality of dispensers.

FIG. 5 is a component block diagram illustrating an example powerdistribution apparatus for providing power to a plurality of dispensersthat are configured according to a daisy chain configuration.

FIG. 6 is a component block diagram illustrating an example powerdistribution apparatus for providing power to a plurality of dispensersthat are configured according to pigtail configuration.

FIG. 7A is a component block diagram illustrating an example powerdistribution apparatus comprising a cord management device.

FIG. 7B is a component block diagram illustrating an example powerdistribution apparatus, comprising a cord management device, configuredaccording to a second configuration.

FIG. 7C is a component block diagram illustrating an example powerdistribution apparatus, comprising a cord management device, configuredaccording to a third configuration.

FIG. 8 is a component block diagram illustrating an example powerdistribution apparatus comprising a cord management device.

FIG. 9 is a component block diagram illustrating an example powerdistribution apparatus.

FIG. 10 is a component block diagram illustrating an example powerdistribution apparatus for providing power to a plurality of dispensers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The claimed subject matter is now described with reference to thedrawings, wherein like reference numerals are generally used to refer tolike elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes ofexplanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providean understanding of the claimed subject matter. It may be evident,however, that the claimed subject matter may be practiced without thesespecific details. In other instances, structures and devices areillustrated in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing theclaimed subject matter.

A plurality of dispensers, such as countertop dispensers that operatefrom power supplied by an alternating current to direct current powerconverter (AC to DC power converter), may be installed at a locationthat comprises an inadequate number of electrical outlets. For example,a casino may desire to install 6 dispensers that are spaced 4 feet apartfrom one another, but merely 2 electrical outlets are located within 25feet of the dispensers. Thus, the casino may restore to using manydifferent power cords and power strips, which may be unsightly and/orunmanageable. Attempting to utilize a single AC to DC power converter topower more than one dispenser may result in merely a single dispenserbeing capable of operating at any given time (e.g., merely a singledispenser may perform a dispense event of material, such as soap, at anygiven time). Accordingly, as provided herein, a power distributionapparatus may comprise a supply coupler (e.g., an AC to DC powerconverter or an electrical connection to the AC to DC power converter)that may supply power to a plurality of dispensers. The powerdistribution apparatus may comprise an energy storage component (e.g.,one or more capacitors configured to store energy from the AC to DCpower converter) that may provide additional power, by dischargingstored energy, to the plurality of dispensers so that multipleconcurrent dispense events may be facilitated. The power distributionapparatus may be associated with a cord management device used to managepower cords connecting from the power distribution apparatus to theplurality of dispensers and/or the AC to DC power converter (e.g., amechanical cord hook that is internal or external to an enclosure of thepower distribution apparatus, a cord reel, a hanking means such as a tiewrap, a spring wound spool, a mechanical clamp, etc.). The powerdistribution apparatus may comprise a cover that may mitigateundesirable tampering with the power distribution apparatus.

An embodiment of providing power to a plurality of dispensers isillustrated by an exemplary method 100 of FIG. 1. At 102, the methodstarts. At 104, power may be supplied from a load coupler to a firstdispenser, a second dispenser, and/or any other number of dispensers(e.g., 3 dispensers, 6 dispensers, 8 dispenser, etc.). The power may besupplied from an AC to DC power converter that converts AC power to DCpower for the dispensers. The power may comprise a supply current (e.g.,about 1 Amp to about 20 Amps, or any other current). In an example, adispenser may utilize about 5 Joules per dispense event such as about 5Watts to about 6 Watts for about 1 second where an average of about 1Amp and a peak of about 20 Amps may be drawn.

At 106, the power may be supplied to an energy storage component forenergy storage. In an example, the energy storage component may comprisea super capacitor, a set of capacitors, or any other energy storagedevice. For example, the energy storage component may comprise a set ofcapacitors configured in series (e.g., three 10 farad capacitors or anyother number and/or size of capacitors, which may be based upon a numberof dispensers within the plurality of dispensers) and a set of balancingresistors (e.g., three 100,000 ohm resistors or any other number and/orsize of resistors, which may be based upon the set of capacitors)configured in parallel with the set of capacitors.

At 108, responsive to a load, by the first dispenser (e.g., attemptingto perform a first dispense event), the second dispenser (e.g.,attempting to perform a second dispense event, and/or other dispensers,exceeding the supply current, energy may be discharged from the energystorage component to the first dispenser, the second dispenser, and/orthe other dispensers. For example, the supply current may provide enoughcurrent for a single dispense event (e.g., having a peak current, suchas about 20 Amps), but not multiple concurrent dispense events.Accordingly, the energy storage component discharges the energy to oneor more dispensers in order to provide adequate power for multipleconcurrent dispense events. At 110, the method ends.

FIG. 2 illustrates a dispenser 200 that may be powered by a supplycoupler 204. The supply coupler 204 may comprise an AC to DC powerconverter or an electrical connection to the AC to DC power converter.The AC to DC power converter may connect to an electrical outlet, andmay convert AC power from the electrical outlet to DC power. The DCpower may be supplied (e.g., through a load coupler) to a power inputmodule 212 of the dispenser 200 for powering operation of the dispenser200. The dispenser 200 may comprise a housing 202 configured to hold arefill container comprising a material (e.g., a liquid material, apowder material, an aerosol material, an antibacterial product,medicine, etc.). The housing 202 may comprise various mechanical and/orelectrical components that facilitate operation of the dispenser 200,such as one or more components that dispense material from the refillcontainer. In an example, the housing 202 may comprise an actuator 210,the power input module 212 used as a power source, a motor 206, adrivetrain 208 (e.g., a gear train), and/or other components (e.g., apump 214 and/or a dispenser nozzle 216, which may be associated with therefill container or comprised within the housing 202). The power sourcemay provide power to the actuator 210, the motor 206, and/or othercomponents. The actuator 210 may be configured to detect a dispenserequest (e.g., a user may place a hand in front of an actuation sensor;the user may press an actuation button or lever; etc.). The actuator 210may be configured to invoke the motor 206 to operate the drivetrain 208so that the pump 214 dispenses material from the refill containerthrough the dispenser nozzle 216.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a power distribution apparatus 300 forproviding power to a plurality of dispensers. The power distributionapparatus 300 may comprise a supply coupler 302, such as an AC to DCpower converter, which may connect to an AC power supply such as anelectric outlet with a positive voltage connection (e.g., a 120 voltconnection) and a ground connection. The supply coupler 302 may becoupled to an energy storage component 304. In an example, the energystorage component 304 may comprise a first capacitor 308, a secondcapacitor 310, a third capacitor 312, and/or any other number ofcapacitors in series. The energy storage component 304 may comprise afirst balancing resistor 314, a second balancing resistor 316, a thirdbalancing resistor 318, and/or any other number of balancing resistorsthat are in parallel with the capacitors. In an example, a currentlimiting device, not shown, may be configured to limit an amount ofcurrent drawn from the energy storage component 304. The energy storagecomponent 304 may be configured to store energy based upon powersupplied by the supply coupler 302.

The power distribution apparatus 300 may comprise a load coupler 306(e.g., a positive voltage rail, a negative voltage or ground rail, acopper trace on a printed circuit board, a power cord, an electricalconnection used to connect to a power cord of a dispenser, etc.). Theload coupler 306 may be coupled to the supply coupler 302 and/or theenergy storage component 304. The supply coupler 302 may provide power,having a supply current, to the load coupler 306, which may be suppliedto a plurality of dispensers.

The energy storage component 304 may be configured to discharge energywhen a load on the power distribution apparatus 300 exceeds the supplycurrent. For example, multiple dispensers may draw current from thepower distribution apparatus 300 in an attempt to perform dispenseevents. The energy storage component 304 may discharge the energy toprovide additional power for the dispensers to complete the dispenseevents. In this way, concurrent dispense events may be facilitated.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example 400 of a power distribution apparatus 401for providing power to a plurality of dispensers, such as a firstdispenser 416, a second dispenser 418, a third dispenser 420, a fourthdispenser 422, and/or other dispensers not illustrated. The powerdistribution apparatus 401 may comprise a supply coupler 406, such as anAC to DC power converter, that is coupled to a load coupler 402 and/orcoupled to an energy storage component 404 of the power distributionapparatus 401.

The load coupler 402 comprises a first coupling element 408 associatedwith a first power cord 424 (e.g., the first coupling element 408 may bean electrical connection to a removable power cord or may comprise apower cord integrated into the power distribution apparatus 401) thatcouples the load coupler 402 to the first dispenser 416. The loadcoupler 402 comprises a second coupling element 410 associated with asecond power cord 426 (e.g., the second coupling element 410 may be anelectrical connection to a removable power cord or may comprise a powercord integrated into the power distribution apparatus 401) that couplesthe load coupler 402 to the second dispenser 418. The load coupler 402comprises a third coupling element 412 associated with a third powercord 428 (e.g., the third coupling element 412 may be an electricalconnection to a removable power cord or may comprise a power cordintegrated into the power distribution apparatus 401) that couples theload coupler 402 to the third dispenser 420. The load coupler 402comprises a fourth coupling element 414 associated with a fourth powercord 430 (e.g., the fourth coupling element 414 may be an electricalconnection to a removable power cord or may comprise a power cordintegrated into the power distribution apparatus 401) that couples theload coupler 402 to the fourth dispenser 422. It may be appreciated thatany number of dispensers may be coupled to the power distributionapparatus 401.

In an example, the first power cord 424 and the second power cord 426may be a first length (e.g., 6 feet each). The third power cord 428 andthe fourth power cord 430 may be a second length (e.g., 12 feet each).It may be appreciated that the power cords may be any length.

In an example, the first dispenser 416, the third dispenser 420, and thefourth dispenser 422 may attempt to perform concurrent dispense events.The first dispenser 416 may attempt to draw first current 432 from thepower distribution apparatus 401. The third dispenser 420 may attempt todraw second current 434 from the power distribution apparatus 401. Thefourth dispenser 422 may attempt to draw third current 436 from thepower distribution apparatus 401. Because the load on the powerdistribution apparatus 401, due to the first current 432, the secondcurrent 434, and the third current 436, may exceed a supply current ofpower provided by the power distribution apparatus 401, the energystorage component 404 may discharge energy in order to provideadditional power to the first dispenser 416, the third dispenser 420,and/or the fourth dispenser 422 so that the dispense events may beperformed concurrently.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example 500 of a power distribution apparatus 501for providing power to a plurality of dispensers, such as a firstdispenser 510, a second dispenser 512, a third dispenser 514, a fourthdispenser 516, and/or other dispensers not illustrated. The powerdistribution apparatus 501 may comprise a supply coupler 506, such as anAC to DC power converter, that is coupled to a load coupler 502 and/oran energy storage component 504 of the power distribution apparatus 501.

The load coupler 502 comprises a first coupling element 508 associatedwith a first power cord 518 (e.g., the first coupling element 508 may bean electrical connection to a removable power cord or may comprise apower cord integrated into the power distribution apparatus 501) thatcouples the load coupler 502 to the first dispenser 510. The seconddispenser 512, the third dispenser 514, and/or the fourth dispenser 516may be configured according to a daisy chain configuration. For example,the second dispenser 512 is connected by a second power cord 522 to asecond coupling element 520 of the first dispenser 510, and thus thesecond dispenser 512 is coupled to the load coupler 502 by a daisy chainconnection through the first dispenser 510 (e.g., power may be suppliedby the supply coupler 506, through the load coupler 502, the firstcoupling element 508, the first power cord 518, the first dispenser 510,the second coupling element 520, and the second power cord 522 to thesecond dispenser 512).

The third dispenser 514 is connected by a third power cord 526 to athird coupling element 524 of the second dispenser 512, and thus thethird dispenser 514 is coupled to the load coupler 502 by a daisy chainconnection through the second dispenser 512 and the first dispenser 510(e.g., power may be supplied by the supply coupler 506, through the loadcoupler 502, the first coupling element 508, the first power cord 518,the first dispenser 510, the second coupling element 520, the secondpower cord 522, the third coupling element 524, and the third power cord526 to the third dispenser 514).

The fourth dispenser 516 is connected by a fourth power cord 530 to afourth coupling element 528 of the third dispenser 514, and thus thefourth dispenser 516 is coupled to the load coupler 502 by a daisy chainconnection through the third dispenser 514, the second dispenser 512,and the first dispenser 510 (e.g., power may be supplied by the supplycoupler 506, through the load coupler 502, the first coupling element508, the first power cord 518, the first dispenser 510, the secondcoupling element 520, the second power cord 522, the third couplingelement 524, the third power cord 526, the fourth coupling element 528,and the fourth power cord 530 to the fourth dispenser 516).

In an example, the first dispenser 510, the second dispenser 512, andthe fourth dispenser 516 may attempt to perform concurrent dispenseevents, which may result in a load on the power distribution apparatus501 that exceeds a load current of power supplied by the powerdistribution apparatus 501. Accordingly, the energy storage component504 may discharge energy across one or more coupling elements and/orpower cords in order to provide additional power to the first dispenser510, the second dispenser, and/or the fourth dispenser 516 so that thedispense events may be performed concurrently.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example 600 of a power distribution apparatus 601for providing power to a plurality of dispensers, such as a firstdispenser 616, a second dispenser 618, a third dispenser 620, a fourthdispenser 622, a fifth dispenser 624, a sixth dispenser 626, and/orother dispensers not illustrated. The power distribution apparatus 601may comprise a supply coupler 606, such as an AC to DC power converter,that is coupled to a load coupler 602 and/or an energy storage component604 of the power distribution apparatus 601.

The load coupler 602 comprises a first coupling element 608 associatedwith a first power cord 612 (e.g., the first coupling element 608 may bean electrical connection to a removable power cord or may comprise apower cord integrated into the power distribution apparatus 601) and asecond coupling element 610 associated with a second power cord 614(e.g., the second coupling element 610 may be a power connection to aremovable power cord or may comprise a power cord integrated into thepower distribution apparatus 601). The dispensers may be connected tothe power distribution apparatus 601 through one or more pigtail powercords. A pigtail power cord may comprise a coupling element that canmate with a dispenser. The pigtail power cord (e.g., a cord portion ofthe pigtail power cord) may be integrated into the first power cord 612and/or the second power cord 614 or the pigtail power cord may beconfigured according to a detachable configuration such that the pigtailpower cord can attach to and detach from the first power cord 612 and/orthe second power cord 614.

The first dispenser 616 may be coupled to the power distributionapparatus 601 by a first pigtail power cord 628 connected to the firstpower cord 612 (e.g., a coupling element of the first pigtail power cord628 may mate with the first dispenser 616). The second dispenser 618 maybe coupled to the power distribution apparatus 601 by a second pigtailpower cord 630 connected to the first power cord 612 (e.g., a couplingelement of the second pigtail power cord 630 may mate with the seconddispenser 618). The third dispenser 620 may be coupled to the powerdistribution apparatus 601 by a third pigtail power cord 632 connectedto the first power cord 612 (e.g., a coupling element of the thirdpigtail power cord 632 may mate with the third dispenser 620). Thefourth dispenser 622 may be coupled to the power distribution apparatus601 by a fourth pigtail power cord 634 connected to the second powercord 614 (e.g., a coupling element of the fourth pigtail power cord 634may mate with the fourth dispenser 622). The fifth dispenser 624 may becoupled to the power distribution apparatus 601 by a fifth pigtail powercord 636 connected to the second power cord 614 (e.g., a couplingelement of the fifth pigtail power cord 636 may mate with the fifthdispenser 624). The sixth dispenser 626 may be coupled to the powerdistribution apparatus 601 by a sixth pigtail power cord 638 connectedto the second power cord 614 (e.g., a coupling element of the sixthpigtail power cord 638 may mate with the sixth dispenser 626).

In an example, the first dispenser 616, the second dispenser 618, thefourth dispenser 622, the fifth dispenser 624, and the sixth dispenser626 may attempt to perform concurrent dispense events, which may resultin a load on the power distribution apparatus 601 that exceeds a loadcurrent of power supplied by the power distribution apparatus 601.Accordingly, the energy storage component 604 may discharge energyacross one or more coupling elements and/or power cords in order toprovide additional power to the first dispenser 616, the seconddispenser 618, the fourth dispenser 622, the fifth dispenser 624, and/orthe sixth dispenser 626 so that the dispense events may be performedconcurrently.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a power distribution apparatus 700comprising a cord management device 701 for managing power cordsassociated with delivering power to a first dispenser 718, a seconddispenser 720, a third dispenser 722, and/or other dispensers notillustrated. The power distribution apparatus 700 may comprise a supplycoupler 714, such as an AC to DC power converter, that is coupled to aload coupler 706 (e.g., a power cord or conductive trace that may belocated within a spool or other portion of the power distributionapparatus 700) and/or an energy storage component 716 of the powerdistribution apparatus 700. The power distribution apparatus 700 maycomprise an enclosure 704 housing the energy storage component 716and/or the load coupler 706. A cover, not illustrated, of the enclosure704 may be used to mitigate undesirable access into the powerdistribution apparatus 700 (e.g., the cover may be placed over one ormore cord reels to conceal such cord reels from sight).

The cord management device 701 may comprise a first cord reel 701 a, asecond cord reel 701 b, and/or a third cord reel 701 c. It may beappreciated that the cord management device 701 may comprise any numberof cord reels, such as a fourth cord reel for a power supply cord 702coupling the supply coupler 714 to the power distribution apparatus 700.A first power cord 708, connecting the first dispenser 718 to the powerdistribution apparatus 700 through the load coupler 706, may be wrappedaround the first cord reel 701 a in order to adjust a length of anexposed portion the first power cord 708 that is outside the enclosure704 of the power distribution apparatus 700 (e.g., the first dispenser718 may be located 3 feet from the power distribution apparatus 700, andthus 5 feet out of 8 total feet of the first power cord 708 may bewrapped around the first cord reel 701 a).

A second power cord 710, connecting the second dispenser 720 to thepower distribution apparatus 700 through the load coupler 706, may bewrapped around the second cord reel 701 b in order to adjust a length ofan exposed portion the second power cord 710 that is outside theenclosure 704 of the power distribution apparatus 700 (e.g., the seconddispenser 720 may be located 1 foot from the power distributionapparatus 700, and thus 3 feet out of 4 total feet of the second powercord 710 may be wrapped around the second cord reel 701 b). A thirdpower cord 712, connecting the third dispenser 722 to the powerdistribution apparatus 700 through the load coupler 706, may be wrappedaround the third cord reel 701 c in order to adjust a length of anexposed portion the third power cord 712 that is outside the enclosure704 of the power distribution apparatus 700 (e.g., the third dispenser722 may be located 2 feet from the power distribution apparatus 700, andthus 6 feet out of 8 total feet of the third power cord 712 may bewrapped around the third cord reel 701 c). In an example, the powerdistribution apparatus 700 may comprise a mount 724 for mounting theenclosure 704. For example, the mount 724 may be used to mount theenclosure 704 onto a wall. In this way, the cord management device 701may manage power cords associated with the power distribution apparatus700.

FIG. 7B illustrates an example of the power distribution apparatus 700,comprising the cord management device 701, configured according to asecond configuration 740. For example, the first power cord 708,connecting the first dispenser 718 to the power distribution apparatus700 through the load coupler 706, may be wrapped around the first cordreel 701 a in order to adjust the length of the exposed portion thefirst power cord 708 that is outside the enclosure 704 of the powerdistribution apparatus 700 (e.g., the first dispenser 718 may be located3 feet from the power distribution apparatus 700, and thus 5 feet out of8 total feet of the first power cord 708 may be wrapped around the firstcord reel 701 a). The second power cord 710, connecting the seconddispenser 720 to the power distribution apparatus 700 through the loadcoupler 706, may be wrapped around the second cord reel 701 b in orderto adjust the length of the exposed portion the second power cord 710that is outside the enclosure 704 of the power distribution apparatus700 (e.g., the second dispenser 720 may be located 1foot from the powerdistribution apparatus 700, and thus 3 feet out of 4 total feet of thesecond power cord 710 may be wrapped around the second cord reel 701 b).The power supply cord 702, connecting the supply coupler 714 to thepower distribution apparatus 700, may be wrapped around the third cordreel 701 c in order to adjust a length of an exposed portion of thepower supply cord 702 that is outside the enclosure 704 of the powerdistribution apparatus 700 (e.g., a wall outlet may be located 2 feetfrom the power distribution apparatus 700, and thus 6 feet out of 8total feet of the power supply cord 702 may be wrapped around the thirdcord reel 701 c). In an example, the power distribution apparatus 700may comprise a mount 742 for mounting the enclosure 704 onto a wall(e.g., the mount 742 may comprise one or more recessed slots into whichwall mounting brackets may fit to secure the enclosure 704 onto thewall).

FIG. 7C illustrates an example of the power distribution apparatus 700,comprising the cord management device 701, configured according to athird configuration 760. For example, the first power cord 708 may bewrapped around the first cord reel 701 a in order to adjust the lengthof the exposed portion the first power cord 708 that is outside theenclosure 704 of the power distribution apparatus 700. One or morepigtail power cords may connect dispensers and/or the supply coupler 714to the first power cord 708, such as a first pigtail power cord 768connecting the first dispenser 718 to the first power cord 708, a secondpigtail power cord 770 connecting the supply coupler 714 to the firstpower cord 708, and a third pigtail power cord 772 connecting the seconddispenser 720 to the first power cord 708 (e.g., a coupling element of apigtail power cord may mate with a dispenser). The second power cord 710may be wrapped around the second cord reel 701 b in order to adjust thelength of the exposed portion the second power cord 710 that is outsidethe enclosure 704 of the power distribution apparatus 700. One or morepigtail power cords may connect dispensers and/or the supply coupler 714to the second power cord 710, such as a fourth pigtail power cord 774connecting a third dispenser 762 to the second power cord 710, a fifthpigtail power cord 776 connecting a fourth dispenser 764 to the secondpower cord 710, and a sixth pigtail power cord 778 connecting the fifthdispenser 766 to the second power cord 710.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a power distribution apparatus 800comprising a cord management device 804 for managing power cordsassociated with delivering power to a first dispenser 814, a seconddispenser 820, and/or other dispensers not illustrated. The powerdistribution apparatus 800 may comprise a supply coupler 808, such as anAC to DC power converter, that is coupled to the power distributionapparatus 800 by a power supply cord 806. The power distributionapparatus 800 may comprise an enclosure 802 housing an energy storagecomponent and/or a load coupler. A cover 822 of the enclosure 802 may beused to mitigate undesirable access into the power distributionapparatus 800, such as to protect the energy storage component and/orthe load coupler from tampering or damage.

The cord management device 804 may comprise a first cord wrap 804 a(e.g., a mechanical cord hook that may be internal or external to theenclosure 802) around which the power supply cord 806 may be wrapped forcord management. The cord management device 804 may comprise a secondcord wrap 804b (e.g., a mechanical cord hook that may be internal orexternal to the enclosure 802) around which a first power cord 812,connecting the first dispenser 814 to the power distribution apparatus800, may be wrapped for cord management. The cord management device 804may comprise a third cord wrap 804 c (e.g., a mechanical cord hook thatmay be internal or external to the enclosure 802) around which a secondpower cord 818, connecting the second dispenser 820 to the powerdistribution apparatus 800, may be wrapped for cord management. In thisway, the cord management device 804 may manage power cords associatedwith the power distribution apparatus 800.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a power distribution apparatus 900comprising a main power cord 912. The main power cord 912 comprises oneor more pigtail power cords that can be coupled to dispensers, such as afirst pigtail power cord 928 that can be coupled to a first dispenser918, a second pigtail power cord 930 that can be coupled to a seconddispenser 920, a third pigtail power cord 932 that can be coupled to athird dispenser 924, a fourth pigtail power cord 934 that can be coupledto a fourth dispenser 926, and a fifth pigtail power cord 914 (e.g., acoupling element of a pigtail power cord may mate with a dispenser). Apower adapter 904 may comprise a cord 906 with a Y connector. The Yconnector may comprise a first connection 908 (e.g., a male adapter or afemale adapter) and a second connection 910 (e.g., a female adapter or amale adapter). The first connection 908 may be coupled to a pigtailpower cord of the main power cord 912, such as the fifth pigtail powercord 914, so that the power adapter 904 may provide power, such as froman outlet 902, to the dispensers connected to the main power cord 912.The second connection 910 may be coupled to a dispenser, such as a fifthdispenser 922, so that the power adapter 904 may provide power to thatdispenser.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example 1000 of a power distribution apparatus1001 for providing power to a plurality of dispensers, such as a firstdispenser 1016, a second dispenser 1018, a third dispenser 1020, afourth dispenser 1022, and/or other dispensers not illustrated. Thepower distribution apparatus 1001 may comprise a supply coupler 1006,such as an AC to DC power converter, that is coupled to a load coupler1002 and/or coupled to an energy storage component 1004 of the powerdistribution apparatus 1001. The supply coupler 1006 is configured to atleast one of transmit or receive data from at least one of the firstdispenser 1016 or the second dispenser 1018.

The energy storage component 1004 can include a capacitor 1080 shownschematically in FIG. 10. In some examples, the capacitor 1080 has acapacitance of at least about 0.1 farad. In other examples, thecapacitor 1080 has a capacitance between about 0.1 farad and about 5farads. In still other examples, the capacitor 1080 has a capacitancebetween about 0.1 farad and about 10 farads. As described previously,the energy storage component 1004 is configured to discharge energy whena load on the power distribution apparatus 1000 by at least one of thefirst dispenser 1016 or the second dispenser 1018 exceeds the supplyproperty. The energy storage component 1004 is configured to dischargeenergy to at least one of the first dispenser 1016 or the seconddispenser 1018.

In some examples, the power distribution apparatus 1000 includes atransmitter 1082 to transmit wireless power 1084 from the transmitter1082 to the load coupler 1002. It is to be understood that in thisinstance, the load coupler 1002 includes the capability to receivewireless power. In some examples, the transmitter 1082 can be mounted toa ceiling or other surface within a line of sight of the load coupler1002. In some examples, the wireless power 1084 includes at least one ofradio frequency (RF) power, light power, or ultrasonic power. However,any suitable form of wireless power 1084 is contemplated. In theexamples where the load coupler 1002 receives wireless power 1084, theneed for a hard-wired connection (e.g., 120-volt wiring) from a powersource to the load coupler 1002 can be eliminated. The wireless power1084 provides the requisite power to operate the load coupler 1002, theenergy storage component 1004, and the dispensers 1016, 1018, 1020, 1022despite the elimination of the hard-wired connection.

In some examples, the transmitter 1082 can provide wireless power 1084to at least one of the dispensers 1016, 1018, 1020, 1022 in addition toproviding wireless power 1084 to the load coupler 1002.

In some examples, the load coupler 1002 includes a power over ethernet(POE) connection 1086. In these examples, the POE connection 1086 canalso eliminate a hard-wired connection of another type (e.g., 120-voltwiring) from a power source to the load coupler 1002. The POE connection1086 can provide the requisite power to operate the load coupler 1002,the energy storage component 1004, and the dispensers 1016, 1018, 1020,1022.

The load coupler 1002 comprises a first coupling element 1008 associatedwith a first power cord 1024 (e.g., the first coupling element 1008 maybe an electrical connection to a removable power cord or may comprise apower cord integrated into the power distribution apparatus 1001) thatcouples the load coupler 1002 to the first dispenser 1016. The loadcoupler 1002 comprises a second coupling element 1010 associated with asecond power cord 1026 (e.g., the second coupling element 1010 may be anelectrical connection to a removable power cord or may comprise a powercord integrated into the power distribution apparatus 1001) that couplesthe load coupler 1002 to the second dispenser 1018. The load coupler1002 comprises a third coupling element 1012 associated with a thirdpower cord 1028 (e.g., the third coupling element 1012 may be anelectrical connection to a removable power cord or may comprise a powercord integrated into the power distribution apparatus 1001) that couplesthe load coupler 1002 to the third dispenser 1020. The load coupler 1002comprises a fourth coupling element 1014 associated with a fourth powercord 1030 (e.g., the fourth coupling element 1014 may be an electricalconnection to a removable power cord or may comprise a power cordintegrated into the power distribution apparatus 1001) that couples theload coupler 1002 to the fourth dispenser 1022. It may be appreciatedthat any number of dispensers may be coupled to the power distributionapparatus 1001.

In an example, the first power cord 1024 and the second power cord 1026may be a first length (e.g., 6 feet each). The third power cord 1028 andthe fourth power cord 1030 may be a second length (e.g., 12 feet each).It may be appreciated that the power cords may be any length.

In an example, the first dispenser 1016, the third dispenser 1020, andthe fourth dispenser 1022 may attempt to perform concurrent dispenseevents. The first dispenser 1016 may attempt to draw first current 1032from the power distribution apparatus 1001. The third dispenser 1020 mayattempt to draw second current 1034 from the power distributionapparatus 1001. The fourth dispenser 1022 may attempt to draw thirdcurrent 1036 from the power distribution apparatus 1001. Because theload on the power distribution apparatus 1001, due to the first current1032, the second current 1034, and the third current 1036, may exceed asupply current of power provided by the power distribution apparatus1001, the energy storage component 1004 may discharge energy in order toprovide additional power to the first dispenser 1016, the thirddispenser 1020, and/or the fourth dispenser 1022 so that the dispenseevents may be performed concurrently.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific tostructural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understoodthat the subject matter defined in the appended claims is notnecessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above.Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed asexample forms of implementing at least some of the claims.

It will be appreciated that layers, features, elements, etc. depictedherein are illustrated with particular dimensions relative to oneanother, such as structural dimensions or orientations, for example, forpurposes of simplicity and ease of understanding and that actualdimensions of the same differ substantially from that illustratedherein, in some embodiments.

Further, unless specified otherwise, “first,” “second,” and/or the likeare not intended to imply a temporal aspect, a spatial aspect, anordering, etc. Rather, such terms are merely used as identifiers, names,etc. for features, elements, items, etc. For example, a first object anda second object generally correspond to object A and object B or twodifferent or two identical objects or the same object.

Moreover, “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example,instance, illustration, etc., and not necessarily as advantageous. Asused herein, “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than anexclusive “or”. In addition, “a” and “an” as used in this applicationare generally to be construed to mean “one or more” unless specifiedotherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Also,at least one of A and B or the like generally means A or B or both A andB. Furthermore, to the extent that “includes”, “having”, “has”, “with”,or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description or theclaims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to“comprising”.

Also, although the disclosure has been shown and described with respectto one or more implementations, equivalent alterations and modificationswill occur to others skilled in the art based upon a reading andunderstanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. Thedisclosure includes all such modifications and alterations and islimited only by the scope of the following claims. In particular regardto the various functions performed by the above described components(e.g., elements, resources, etc.), the terms used to describe suchcomponents are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, toany component which performs the specified function of the describedcomponent (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though notstructurally equivalent to the disclosed structure. In addition, while aparticular feature of the disclosure may have been disclosed withrespect to only one of several implementations, such feature may becombined with one or more other features of the other implementations asmay be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.

1. A power distribution apparatus for providing power to a plurality ofdispensers, comprising: a supply coupler; and an energy storagecomponent coupled to the supply coupler, wherein: the supply couplersupplies power to at least the energy storage component, the suppliedpower having a supply property, the energy storage component isconfigured to discharge energy to at least one of a first dispenser or asecond dispenser, and the supply coupler is configured to at least oneof transmit or receive data from at least one of the first dispenser orthe second dispenser.
 2. The power distribution apparatus of claim 1,the energy storage component comprising a capacitor having a capacitanceof at least about 0.1 farad.
 3. The power distribution apparatus ofclaim 1, the energy storage component configured to discharge energywhen a load on the power distribution apparatus by at least one of thefirst dispenser or the second dispenser exceeds the supply property. 4.The power distribution apparatus of claim 1, wherein the supply propertyis a supply current.
 5. The power distribution apparatus of claim 1,comprising a transmitter to transmit wireless power to the supplycoupler.
 6. The power distribution apparatus of claim 5, the wirelesspower comprising at least one of RF power, light power, or ultrasonicpower.
 7. The power distribution apparatus of claim 1, comprising afirst power cord connected to the first dispenser and a second powercord connected to the second dispenser, the first power cord and thesecond power cord having a first length.
 8. The power distributionapparatus of claim 1, comprising a power over ethernet connectionproviding power to the supply coupler.
 9. A dispenser installation kit,comprising: a power distribution apparatus comprising: an energy storagecomponent configured to discharge energy; a supply coupler configured tosupply power to the energy storage component, the supplied powercomprising a supply property; a power supply cord coupling the supplycoupler to the energy storage component; and a cord management devicefor at least one of the power supply cord or a power cord associatedwith at least one of a first dispenser or a second dispenser for whichenergy is stored by the energy storage component.
 10. The dispenserinstallation kit of claim 9, the cord management device comprising atleast one of: a first cord reel for the power supply cord; or a secondcord reel for the power cord.
 11. The dispenser installation kit ofclaim 9, the cord management device comprising at least one of: a firstcord wrap for the power supply cord; or a second cord wrap for the powercord.
 12. The dispenser installation kit of claim 9, the powerdistribution apparatus comprising: an enclosure housing the energystorage component; and a cover for the enclosure.
 13. The dispenserinstallation kit of claim 9, the power distribution apparatuscomprising: a first pigtail power cord for coupling a third dispenser toa first power cord; a second pigtail power cord; and a power adaptercomprising a cord with a connector comprising a first connectorconfigured to connect to the second pigtail power cord and a secondconnector configured to connect to a dispenser to the supply coupler.14. The dispenser installation kit of claim 9, comprising: a firstpigtail power cord for coupling a third dispenser to a first power cordand the supply coupler; and a second pigtail power cord.
 15. Thedispenser installation kit of claim 9, comprising a power over ethernetconnection providing power to the supply coupler.
 16. The dispenserinstallation kit of claim 9, comprising a transmitter to transmitwireless power to the supply coupler.
 17. The dispenser installation kitof claim 16, the wireless power comprising at least one of RF power,light power, or ultrasonic power.
 18. A method for providing power toone or more dispensers, comprising: supplying wireless power to at leasta first dispenser via a wireless power transmitter, the power comprisinga supply property; supplying the power to an energy storage componentfor energy storage; and responsive to a load by at least the firstdispenser exceeding the supply property, discharging energy from theenergy storage component to the at least first dispenser.
 19. The methodof claim 18, comprising receiving or transmitting data from at least thefirst dispenser to a supply coupler through a communication means. 20.The method of claim 18, the wireless power comprising at least one of RFpower, light power, or ultrasonic power.